No Place For Old Bags
I’m undergoing a renaissance in my photography at the moment, motivated by some projects I have underway for the Spring & Summer. Photography has always been a love of mine, so the chance to enjoy it again is one I’ve grabbed with both hands.
I recently picked up a digital SLR to replace my (very) old film SLR which had been broken for some time. I still had an old LowePro Toploader Zoom bag, but it was very dusty and looked distinctly low-rent compared to the shiny SLR.
So, I picked up a new bag. My requirements were:
- Must fit a DSLR plus long(ish) standard zoom lens
- Needs space for spare batteries; memory cards; money & credit card; extra lens filter…
- Would be protective of my lovely camera
- Preferably looks ace
I’ve become quite fan of showrooming recently. I definitely wanted the “try before you buy” experience so I took my camera (in the ancient Toploader) to PCWorld and tried it for size in a few bags. Some were deceptively small on the inside, looking initially like fairly chunky pieces of luggage. Others just didn’t fit the bill. One case stood out – the £40 Case Logic DSLR bag.
But… £40? Excuse me? Quite a lot for a smallish bag, really. So I had a think… Then I got my mobile phone and had a browse… Then I found it online for less than £25.
Now, I don’t mind paying a premium for good product, demonstrated well and available from stock in store. However, I’m no mug and I’m not paying an 82% premium for a quick feel and instant gratification (calm down ladies and gents, you’re reading the wrong blog for that sort of thing).
What’s The Bag Like, Then?
Before I give you my verdict, let me tell you about the hammock. Yes, a hammock inside a bag… This sits over the top of the void and holds your camera body away from the base of the bag. It means that, when you put your bag down, the weight isn’t suddenly put onto the end of the lens. It was this feature which pushed me to choose this bag more than any other.
There’s also a rubberised waterproof sheath around the bottom of the bag, which will be very handy on those bad-weather days.
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Handy Memory Card Net in the front pocket – big enough for an iPhone. Side pockets are a decent size too.
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That Hammock, and the memory foam lid. The Hammock is an excellent way to stop your lens getting bashed.
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Side view. There’s a pocket on each side.
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Front view, showing rubberised foot and good quality strap.
I do like the bag. A lot. The zip opens and allows you to open the top flap away from you, with perfect access to grab the camera quickly. The side and front pockets have enough room for a few extra bits and bobs and the strap is very comfortable, with plenty of adjustment to use across your body or just over your shoulder.
Would I Recommend it?
Yes, I would. If you’re in the market for a new DSLR or you’ve got one and want a new compact bag for it, I’d tell you to have a look at the Case Logic DSLR bag and stick it on your shortlist. Just make sure you get the right size for your camera – they do a shorty one for standard lenses too.
Tell ’em Phill sent you 🙂
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